Such meetings of these ocean liners are a hallmark of Cunard and always attract the attention of ship buffs and maritime historians. They’re usually marked by whistle salutes and fireworks displays.

“For those unfamiliar with Cunard, it’s difficult to comprehend how much of a role the company has played in shaping the world of ocean travel as we know it today,” said Richard Meadows, president of Cunard Line-North America. “This year is our 175th anniversary and we are proud to be able to showcase everything we have achieved in this time. We have so much planned for 2015, including events across the globe which we hope as many people as possible will join us for and take their place in our history books too.”

Queen Elizabeth is currently sailing its 112-day World Voyage. The Queen Mary, which departed on its maiden voyage in 1936, has been a floating hotel and event venue in Long Beach since 1967. The Queen Mary was the grandest ocean liner in her day, carrying a who’s-who of Hollywood celebrities, royalty like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and dignitaries like Winston Churchill. The liner even set a speed record that would stand for 14 years, but when World War II started, the Queen Mary was painted grey for a new calling as a troop transport. In 1947, the Queen Mary resumed regular passenger service across the Atlantic Ocean and continued that for nearly two more decades, until arriving in Southern California in 1967.

While the Queen Mary maintains her high-profile, it was the Britannia that departed 175 years ago as Cunard’s first ship. And that milestone will be celebrated fleetwide throughout 2015.

“2015 is going to be an amazing year for Cunard,” Meadows said. “We’ll be celebrating our 175th anniversary throughout the year with an exciting program of commemorative sailings and special events. Celebrity speakers will add an extra touch of sparkle and insight to the celebrations on board while the sheer spectacle of bringing the fleet together in Southampton and Liverpool and marking key dates in Cunard’s history will make compelling viewing for both passengers and spectators ashore. We want everyone across the globe to be able to share in these historic celebrations.”

The 175th anniversary will include gala dinners with souvenir menus on cruises of more than four nights; “Black, Red and Gold” themed balls in the Queens Room; 175th-themed commemorative drinks, from blends of wine to craft beers, plus 175th themed cakes and desserts at afternoon tea and formal dinners; themed entertainment, including anniversary quizzes and the quirky side of Cunard’s history presented by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art theatre group on Queen Mary 2’s trans-Atlantic crossings; 175th merchandise from collectible posters to teddy bears and polo shirts; a 175th anniversary postmark on mail posted onboard; and in-cabin stationery with the 175th anniversary logo.

Another highlight will occur May 3, when all three vessels — Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria — meet in their homeport of Southampton for a festive sail-away.

Later that month, up to 1 million spectators are expected to gather in the company’s “spiritual home” of Liverpool for a three-day event May 24-26. On May 25 the Cunard fleet will perform a series of choreographed maneuvers within sight of the Three Graces on Pier Head waterfront, including the iconic Cunard Building, which was the company’s headquarters for nearly 50 years.

Cunard will also re-create the trans-Atlantic voyage that launched the company. Queen Mary 2’s 175th Anniversary Crossing will depart Southampton on July 2 bound to arrive in New York on July 14. The liner will sail into Liverpool on July 4 and depart the same day — exactly 175 years since Cunard’s Britannia made her maiden crossing from the port, heading for Halifax and Boston.

Three categories of accommodations are sold out, but the Cunard websites shows inside cabins available from $2,638 and balcony staterooms from $3,798 and Queens Grill from $9,898.

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